Senator Mastriano

Doug with Soldiers that he served with in Afghanistan. The Danish Soldier in the center was with Doug on all three of his deployments. The Belgium Soldier 2nd from the right was with Doug on two deployments. All good friends forged in war. #throwbackthursday

Apr 3rd - 1860 Pony Express began.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 1, 2025

Mastriano: Senate Committee Supports National Guard and Veterans Measures

HARRISBURG – The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee today unanimously reported five measures that support the Pennsylvania National Guard and honor Pennsylvania veterans, according to Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33), committee chairman.

“Today’s committee action reaffirms our support for our military and veterans,” said Mastriano, who served for 30 years in the United States Army.

Senate Bill 511, sponsored by Mastriano, would place July 27 into state law as “Korean War Veterans Armistice Day.”

“The Korean War, fought from 1950 to 1953, has been overshadowed in history, labeled the ‘Forgotten War,’” said Mastriano. “But we must never forget the extraordinary bravery, sacrifice and heroism of those who fought to defend freedom on the Korean Peninsula and halt the spread of communism. Today, we recognize their service and make this recognition permanent in state law.”

As a result of the Korean War, 36,000 American servicemembers lost their lives, including 2,401 Pennsylvanians. More than 92,000 were wounded, and more than 8,000 were declared missing in action, leaving their families without closure.

Senate Bill 64, sponsored by Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-46), would create a Pennsylvania veterans business logo to help promote veteran-owned businesses in the commonwealth.

“Many service members become entrepreneurs when they return to civilian life,” said Mastriano. “This measure provides a method for these veteran business owners to display their military pride as well as an opportunity for their customers to thank them for their service.”

Senate Bill 308, sponsored by Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R-21), would increase the financial assistance for medical personnel, attorneys and chaplains to enlist and serve in the Pennsylvania National Guard.

“The Medical Officer Incentive Program has been successful throughout the years, but as the National Guard experiences shortages in certain fields, it is imperative that we adjust,” said Mastriano.

Apr 2nd - 1792 Congress established the first US Mint in Philadelphia.

During Tech Day at the Capitol, I had the opportunity to engage with an outstanding group of students from the Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center (WMCTC). I facilitated their visit to the Senate floor, allowing them to experience the legislative environment firsthand.

Purple Star School Press Conference - I thoroughly enjoyed engaging with the students and administrators at the Purple Star School Press Conference today, which honored the Month of the Military Child. This event held special significance for me, as I am the son of a Navy veteran and have a son who was raised as a military child.

I presented two bills to the Senate Finance Committee today, and they voted to pass both bills onto the Senate.

Senate Bill 253 (Mastriano) – Amends the Tax Reform Code by creating an income tax credit for Pennsylvania resident partners who incur pass-through entity taxes in other jurisdictions.
Senate Bill 396 (Mastriano) – Amends the Tax Reform Code by creating a new elective tax imposed at the pass-through entity level that would facilitate federal deductibility of state income taxes.

Lithuania is a partner of Pennsylvania National Guard A solid ally of whom I served with Lithuanian soldiers in Afghanistan. In response to the deaths of four American 3rd Infantry Division soldiers, the citizens mobilized to raise money for the soldier’s family. Last figure was pushing €200,000. They appreciate our presence in their country.